Description
A vibrant and comforting salad featuring earthy lentils, citrusy dressing, and fresh vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or dairy-free feta
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring the lentils and water or broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce to a simmer and cook 20–25 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Drain and let cool slightly.
- While lentils cook, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust for brightness or saltiness.
- In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint. Toss with half the dressing.
- Add warm lentils to the bowl and gently stir to combine. Pour remaining dressing and fold in crumbled feta.
- Taste and adjust: a squeeze more lemon or a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor. Serve slightly warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
For a vegan version, omit the feta and add nutritional yeast or walnuts for richness. The salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, lentil salad, healthy salad, vegetarian meal